Local Economy

In 2018, a report was published by independent consultants Amion Consulting after being commissioned by Cheshire West and Chester Council to look into the impacts of Chester Racecourse and it’s businesses on the local economy over the course of a year. Amion Consulting chose to use data from the 12 months in 2016 to create their report, and analysed date ranging from visitor numbers to employment figures.

The report found overwhelmingly that “the racecourse delivers significant positive economic impact to the City of Chester”. Among its findings, the report stated that:

• The racecourse attracts over 300,000 visitors each year
• Chester Race Company generates £54.1 million in expenditure in the local economy every year
• The company is responsible for 24% of employment in the recreational sector alone (in the local authority)
• The racecourse attracts global media coverage with the May Festival races having an audience of approximately 8.5 million people